A week ago I got to something really fun (tiring) and healthy (pretty tiring)! I love exercise (being tired)!
I don’t know if you were able to read between the lines there, but I’m not in very good shape. It turns out that running home in the rain and sloshing back plastic sachets of Ugandan waragi don’t count as “working out”. Just kidding, I don’t do either of those things. Why would I run home in the rain? Have you seen my house? I’m not usually too eager to rush back to my concrete slab dripping in sea foam green, possibly toxic, definitely ever-wet paint to sit alone and watch episodes of the West Wing while writing crossword puzzles. And, running? Why would I do that?
Peace Corps. It’s the life.
Actually, it kinda is. Get this—we played a Bazungu (white people) vs. high school students football match. I really thought they’d cream us but it ended up being somewhat fair. Mostly because they didn’t have shoes. (Gotta settle whitey’s handicap). Even more fun is that our team was made up of, count them, no really—count them! so many countries! Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, and America. Okay, and Uganda. We got some back up (the HS teachers took pity on us).
I didn’t score any goals but I did manage to pull off playing both offense and defense from position 11 for 60 minutes without collapsing! (A few of our teammates didn’t know how to play…) I also got a really good shoulder into what I would estimate to be a 16-year-old girl—boo-ya!
It ended in a draw, 3-3. But I considered myself a winner due to the simple fact that, because I was the lone American, they did not make me sing our national anthem like the others. Phew.
Mom said,
November 13, 2011 @ 3:37 am
I would have PAID to hear you sing The Star Spangled Banner!! Guess all that driving to soccer practice was worthwhile after all, and Dad didn’t even have to shrink wrap our pictures on the van!! Go Hayley!!
Laurie Hart said,
November 13, 2011 @ 4:43 am
Hi Hayley,
Hope this finds you well! I was searching Peace Corps Journals-Uganda and came across your blog – sounds like you’re having quite the experience. I am an RPCV – Cape Verde, West Africa 2007-09 and am currently living and teaching in Dubai. I have a friend living in Entebbe that I plan on visiting in February. I’d LOVE to connect with any volunteers that happen to be there, as we both know PCVs have the inside scoop….particularly Education volunteers as I’m a teacher looking to get into International Education Development field. I’d also love for my friend there to meet some new people (he’s a pilot…very chill). Anyway, would you be able to put me in contact with any volunteers there? Looks like you’re headed out this year (?) I remember the impoverished life of volunteers and would love to treat some to a great dinner!
Also, where in CO are you from? I spent the winter after Peace Corps living in Vail…Beaver Creek actually.
Okay thanks and have a great day!
Laurie Hart
laurie115@yahoo.com